The Charlie and Tonja Ward Family Foundation
Charlie and Tonja Ward are deeply respected in the faith, sports and wellness communities for their solid character and unending commitment to serving others. Their philanthropic efforts date back to the early 90s when Charlie was a star point guard for the New York Knicks. During Charlie’s NBA playing and coaching days (1994 – 2008), they produced and underwrote youth sports camps and church programs throughout the country, including Christian music and sports youth events at five NBA All-Star Weekends and the Charlie Ward Tribute to Excellence in Houston, Texas. In 2015, the couple established what is now The Charlie and Tonja Ward Family Foundation, carrying on the legacy of the Ward family’s commitment to giving back. Through the foundation, the Wards continue to develop community programs and support community initiatives and philanthropic causes specifically related to youth character development through sports, the arts and wellness based on Christian principles and disaster relief efforts.
Charlie and Tonja have been married for more than 25 years, and they have three children, Caleb, Hope, and Joshua.
The Ward Family
Event Highlights
Blessing Bucket Packing Event (February 2023)
The Tallahassee community came together to “Be A Blessing” for the God’s Pit Crew Blessing Bucket Packing Event. Together we packed 1080 buckets filled with essential supplies with warmth and care. While we don’t wish devastation on any community, we are grateful that if a crisis does happen, we will have brought hope to families and individuals when they need it most.
Thanks to our partners Immanuel Baptist Church the venue host and Jackson Cook Construction, the fork lift sponsor, for their generous support.
When God's Pit Crew dispatches the buckets we packed, they will notify us so that we can pray for distribution and recovery.
FSUS Hurricane Relief (November 2022)
The foundation is working in partnership with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Chapter at Florida State University Schools (FSUS) to raise money to support the hurricane relief efforts of God's Pit Crew throughout Florida. The $40,000 campaign kicked off at the FSUS homecoming with various subsequent events, including the FSUS Cares Classic, Giving Tuesday, and a mobile community event in 2023.
Darryl "DMC" McDaniels Book Giveaway (April 2022)
The Charlie and Tonja Ward Family Foundation and Florida State University Schools (Florida High) partnered to bring iconic rapper Darryl “DMC" McDaniels to Tallahassee to introduce his newly released anti-bullying book DARRYL’S DREAM. The foundation presented autographed copies of the book to Florida High, FAMU Developmental Research School, Leon County Schools, Leon County Libraries, Florida Center for Reading Research and the Children’s Services Council of Leon County.
Father's Day Leadership Basketball Clinic (June 2022)
The Charlie and Tonja Ward Family Foundation designed this clinic to provide fathers and kids, or male mentors and mentees, an intentional time for bonding. They also learn tips from experts in leadership and get in some physical activity together to help foster a unique bond and create memories that will last for a lifetime. Participants received basketball instruction and heard from guest speakers on topics including financial literacy, character lessons, and problem-solving.
